At the teachers meeting

Our last days in Kiandu were soooooo lovely. We are making Kiandu primary school our model school for ‘Shine Kenya’ so we called a meeting with all the teachers to educate them about how the program is going to work in their school and what its all about. We then had a meeting with all the parents as well, which was really wonderful. We told them all about Shine and why we feel it’s so important for their kids. In the same meeting we talked about the other things going on in the school like the school feeding program, upgrading of the school and computer education. A lot of the parents have been so helpful with the greenhouse and irrigation for the school feeding program. Many of them came out and volunteered their time to dig trenches and clear land so we got a chance to thank them formally for their support.

We also spent a lot of our time those last few days in the library painting some of the Shine principals on the walls and some beautiful decorations as well. It was such a joyous time hanging out with the kids and with the awesome art teacher Joel and our friend George. We painted we danced, we learned kikuyu songs from the kids, we chatted and painted some more. The kids all came in to clean all of the walls down for us. It was a labor of love making the library a welcoming and vibrant place. We enjoyed every moment of it and especially the random disco celebration on our last evening! We were all dancing around the library to Justin Bieber and Katie Perry which the kids loved. I suspect they are going to have that Justin Bieber “baby” song in their heads forever! And man that library looks great!

We also donated a laptop to the highschool next door to kiandu primary school on our last evening as well as one for the town medical centre for administration purposes. The rest of the computers were left for the teachers of kiandu primary school. The laptops were such a big deal over there. Everyone was so very very grateful for them. They are going to help the teachers so much! A huge thank you to everyone who donated a laptop (as well as those who spent a long time on repairs and formatting!). What an incredible gift.

Revamping the library - FUN!!

Some of our committee in Kenya are raising some money at the moment to continue the computer lessons for the teachers at Kiandu primary school so they will get the best out of those computers.

Saying goodbye on our last morning was so so so hard. We actually tried to woos out and avoid it but our mate geroge was having none of that. He dragged us into the school like a good friend would. Thanks George!

I just want to say a huge thank you to Joel for your lovely gifts you gave us that morning. You made us cry…..then the kids made us cry too! We went to the classrooms and said our good byes to students and teachers. We told the kids to work hard, to be good…..then we cried.

I was so grateful to have achieved everything we set out to do. I am especially fired up about the potential of the ‘Shine’ program after launching in 45 schools, but the laptop donations and computer lessons, the school feeding program, the library, the awesome musoc program that was launched, the whole thing really is just so fantastic! We couldn’t have done this without our amazing committee on the ground over there and especially Mr Ibrahim Karonji. Ibrahim, your amazing! Thanks for being so passionate and dedicated. You’re doing incredible things for Kiandu.

We were so blessed to have such a friendly, patient, dedicated team of volunteers. I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people to share this adventure with. Kellie, Lena, Meg, Marnie and Gary – Words could never convey how grateful I am for your faith in me, your hard work and your fun and happy attitude. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I miss Kiandu already. My gosh, it’s the people – big smiles, big hearts. The music, the playful energy of the kids, the welcoming and the warmth. It won’t be long till I’m drawn back again. We are already talking about the next trip where hopefully we can launch Shine for highschools and continue to improve the school and enrich the lives of the Kiandu comminuty. They deserve it!

laptop lessons!

Disco in the library on the last day

Mellissa teaching her Shine group

As I am sitting here, writing this blog entry I am actually having trouble staying focused on this task. As the sun sets over the savanna my attention keeps being drawn away from this screen, to the breathtaking show of colour and light unfolding around me. Slowly (pole’ pole’) the rolling mountains in the distance are deepening into the deepest shades of purple and blue. The sky is showing off its most brilliant crimsons, oranges and then pinks. Its so captivating. This moment is a wonderful reward after the massive 2 days of running the ‘Shine Kenya’ training seminar.

We (Kelli, Lena and I) are on a Safari break for a few days as our little treat after the successful launch of ‘Shine’. It’s so wonderful to be able to unwind and relax. I’d love to say everything ran smoothly during the training but I must admit there were some challenges and stresses along the way and sometimes you don’t realize you had tension in your body until, in a wonderful moment like this – all of it completely melts from your body.

One of our biggest challenges was that many Kenyans see no problem with organizing things at the very last minute and also don’t keep time very well. When flying in from Australia and having only a week to finalise preparations for a 2 day seminar for 90 people – those 2 challenges had us running around like mad chickens for the days leading up to the launch trying to pull all the little things together.

Teachers in the process of a 'Shine' activity on communication

Despite our challenges I can’t express how happy I am that the training went so well. It all came together just fine in the end (as it always seems to here). Our Lead facilitator, Kellie, was really amazing. She has worked so hard on this project and she was such a dynamo presenter!

The teachers were wonderful. They were enthusiastic and attentive and played full out. I am so excited that this incredible program is about to be rolled out in 45 schools in Kenya! After all the work leading up to those 2 days it was such a joy to see it work out.

I enjoyed co-facilitating so much. It was so much fun. I have to say, one of my favourite things about the training was the wonderful simple experience of just spending time with the teachers during the breaks. I would often find myself sitting outside with a new friend swapping stories about our lives and I would learn snippets of the kikuyu (tribe of this area) tribal language or Kiswahili. The people here are so open and warm and friendly. They smile a lot and laugh a lot. I really adored those moments of friendship and laughter.

The closing of program on Saturday afternoon was the other major highlight. When Kenyan people want to say thank you they really know how to make it impactful!

After we said our closing speeches everybody in the audience stood together and did for us, what is called a ‘manunu’. They raise their arms out to the sides and then up high into the air, and shake their hands like they are raising some energy and then all of a sudden they clap, with straight arms, pointing at us. They repeated this a few times and then they broke into a beautiful song and when these people sing, wow, they sound incredible!

Our good friend George recieving his 'Shine Kenya' certification

We were all so deeply touched by this show of gratitude. It was truly a magic moment and I will never forget it….ever.

When we get back to Kiandu we will only have 3 days left in which we will be helping Kinadu primary school implement the Shine Kenya program. We aim to make it a model school for how to run Shine. We will have meetings with parents and teachers and also teach them about getting sponsorship for materials. Lena also has a busy schedule of drama and computer classes to teach.

For now though, I’ll just enjoy the feeling of a job well done and the sparkling twilight now enveloping these beautiful plains and mountains before me.

Melli

Teachers at shine training

I am not sure where I have summoned the energy from to get a blog out tonight but I am just so excited to be able to share about today. You know when you get tired, so tired that you can hardly think straight – and then you get a second wind? That’s me, right now – sitting in bed at 9pm in my little room in Kiandu.

After 2 extremely full on days of running around frantically, meetings, mishaps and interesting last minute surprises we managed to pull together day 1 of the 2 day shine program today!!  We trained 90 primary school teachers on how to implement the shine program in their schools. It went so well!

I couldn’t be happier with it so far. We had such a fun day of training with the teachers doing activities and sharing stories and experiences. They really gave it their all today, which was such a wonderful gift to be given after all the hard work we have put in. It was a long day but I will go to sleep with a smile on my face tonight and I can’t wait to go back in there tomorrow.

There is such a wonderful team running the ‘shine’ program. It’s truly a pleasure to work with these people. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such incredible people who have made this project come together.

After tomorrow these 90 teachers will be equipped to go back to their schools and implement shine into their schools curriculum and it will be run troughout the year in groups. Shine aims teaches children connectedness, resilience,  confidence and a strong sense of self and also to think positively and have a sense of possibility for the future. It aims to foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of Kenyan students and therefore their community.

kelli facilitating the shine training for 90 teachers

90 teachers at 2 day shine training kenya

marnie teaching a music lesson

Today is our last day together as a full Aussie team. Meg, Gary and Marnie have already been here for over 3 weeks and they are heading back home tonight. Marnie and Meg (Meg is a deputy principal) have already been missing a bit of school at home in Australia so they have to get back. We’re going to miss them.

Its 10am here – We just came from a cheery school assembly at Kiandu primary where the students played a little recorder tribute to us and they all got to say goodbye and thank you to Meg, Marnie and Gary for their contribution.  As part of this assembly our Aussie team were just given their Kikuyu (the local tribe) names.

Gary, Marnie and Meg have been such an incredible gift to Kiandu. It’s actually

gary, meg and marnie at the harambee

quite amazing what these guys have achieved in 3 weeks. Marnie’s music program was a roaring success. In fact we have heard that there is apparently only one other school who has a recorder group in Kenya and apparently they get paid to play at events! Now our Kiandu recorder group is determined to take their place as the best! The music program has given the kids at Kiandu primary a chance to learn an instrument, to read music, to work together as a band with singers and perform at an important event. They have a teacher here who is going to continue the music program from here.

Garys experience as an engineer has been absolutely invaluable. Its amazing how much of the school farm project has come together in such a short time. One huge greenhouse has been

erected and the trenches for the irrigation are laid already thanks to 200 parents from the community getting together to help get things done quickly and efficiently. Gary has laid out all the budgets, planning and projections for the future to ensure the farms success and hopefully in the next few months food will be growing and the school feeding program will be launched so that no children at Kiandu primary school go without food. Our Host Mother here, Mary, will be overseeing this project when Gary is gone.

Meg has also spent her last days in Kiandu facilitating some amazing programs for teachers and students.

Bye Bye guys! Safe onward journey!

For me, Lena and Kellie things are just ramping up. We are launching the ’shine’ program this weekend. We’ll be training 90 teachers (and the district education office for this area) to implement the program in their schools. Lena is so busy teaching computers and drama and will be assisting us this weekend also.

greenhouse almost completed. Great work Gary!

Meg with kids at Kiandu primary

recorder students

conga line at the harambee

I just got back from the ‘mega harambee’ fundraiser. It’s been a full on 2 days with all of us hard at work. I have been struggling with getting the internet to work and finding the time to blog with so much going on but i really want to keep everyone up to date with our progress. Forgive me for my sloppy writing and the lack of piccys. I’ll try to upload some in a few days.

Marnie and Meg have been sooo busy doing last minute rehearsals for the music program, Lena has been doing drama workshops with the primary school kids and also teaching computer lessons to the teachers with Megs help.  We have been asked to send huge kikuyu thank you to all of you who donated the laptops. The teachers are so grateful to be able to learn how to use a computer and these laptops are going to make their lives so much easier!

Kelli and I, along with Ibrahim, one of our kiandu.com committee members over here, have spent yesterday strategizing logistics for the ‘Shine’ program next weekend and also in meetings with the education department and teachers.

Gary has been busy meeting with people and managing the process of the school farm and greenhouses. This is part of a project to ensure that every child that comes to Kiandu primary school eats at least one good meal per day. The committee over here say Gary is heaven sent.

Busy busy busy! We all got to the dinner table last night looking totally exhausted but sharing eachother stories of magic moments and some laughs.

My favourite moment from todays ‘Mega Harambee’ was dancing and singing and playing with the children while we waited for the vice president of Kenya to arrive for the fundraiser. We were just fooling around and giggling and teaching eachother songs and doing conga lines.

The harambee went well. Marnies music team played recorder and sang the Kenyan national anthem and also amazing grace. The students looked so proud! These were kids who gave up their holiday time to come and learn recorder for hours every day for the past 2 weeks.

All the monies raised from this day go to creating a library for the highschool which is next door to Kiandu primary school. Meg, Marnie and Gary also presented the school with a cheque for $500 donated from Killarney heights highshool and were thanked for their contribution by the vice president of Kenya.

My lovely volunteers also got to meet quite a few members of our Kiandu committee yesterday which was wonderful. I was so so happy to see them again!!

We are off on a safari to relax for a day tomorrow then back into it on Monday!

traditional kikuyu dancers

greenhouse going up for school feeding program

melli and the kids

How to put into words my first day back here in this teeny village called Kiandu? I am so overwhelmed and tired and jetlagged and excited and well…totally elated. Feeling a million things at once. What a massive day!

Today feels like several days packed into one. There has been such a big build up to getting here and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. As Lena & Kelli and I walked to the school this morning I had butterflies in my tummy wondering what then school would look like and what familiar faces I might see.

On the way I was surprised by how different the whole village looks compared to 2 years ago. Everything looks so green and tropical and fertile, it’s like a different village entirely.  The rains have been good this year.

kids kiandu 2011

We walked into the school and the difference, even at first glance, was impressive – really impressive! Kiandu primary school now has lovely gardens planted around the classrooms and staffroom and grass growing where is used to be just a dusty dirt playgroud. The green of the new flora against the newly painted bright blue roof was a stark contrast to the drab and dull kiandu primary school I saw 2 years ago.

Immediately on arrival we were greeted by the teachers who were so happy and welcoming. They gave us a little tour around the school to show us all the changes that have been made since we left.

There is so much that has been done. It’s really amazing. It blew me away to see it all! New chairs and tables, electricity, a new expanded library (albeit with a terrible shortage of books), cemented classrooms (which means no more problems with the jigger bugs biting the kids), cement rendered walls, a new greenhouse already going up for the school feeding program and more. It’s awesome! There is also a new school hall in the making and a kitchen for the school feeding program too. And then of course I got to see for the first time the finished toilet blocks that we started on in 2009.WOW! Its like a new school.

The best part was definitely seeing the kids again. We visited the classrooms one by one to say hello to all the kids and then we got to play with them a bit when they came our for a break. They were the same sparkly, playful, vibrant little souls that I remembered. Totally lovable! Kelli and Lena were totally smitten by them! It was so gorgeous that they all remembered me.

Meg Marnie and Gary have been here already for 2 weeks and they have been very very busy.

the desks aussies bought

Gary has been managing the building works of the greenhouse and school farm with irrigation which is part of the school feeding program. This program aims to ensure every child get s a meal every day provided by the school. They will grow their own food at the school to feed the children and sell any surplus at the markets to raise extra money for the school. It’s such a great initiative and will attract more students to come to the school.

Marnie and Meg have been teaching music to the students of Kiandu primary for about 5 hours a day in different lessons.  By the time we got here the kids could already play 3 songs really well and were very proud to show us their new skills. The climax of the music program comes this weekend when the children are going to be playing the Kenyan national anthem at the fundraiser that the vice president of Kenya will be in town for! How cool is that!

Meg has also been assisting in an advisory role to local teachers and will be giving a talk next week on leadership and motivation of students.

Today Lena jumped straight in the deep end and taught her first drama workshop for the kids at kiandu primary and Tomorrow she is starting computer lessons for all the teachers in the primary and secondary schools. We have 8 laptops to leave behind which the teachers are absolutely joyful about.

assembly with the kids

I’m so jetlagged – bed now…….

Our laptop fix it team! steve and matty. Thanks guys!

Its been 2 years, since i have been to Kiandu village. I am flying back tonight….in exactly 8 hours. I am really excited! Especially after seeing this cute kenya video! he he he

I can’t wait to see our host mumma Mary and our awesome kiandu.com committee over there who have made me so proud since i left. They have achieved more than i ever thought possible! Also i can’t wait to see the big sparkly smiles of all the Kiandu kids. I have missed those smiles. I’m even looking forward to seeing all that red mud that’s so characteristic of Kiandu.

I am keen to meet all the new people who are involved in the uplifting of the village and the schools. I have heard there are many people supporting Kiandu now. I get to see all the work that was done since we left too!! Thats going to be amazing! And it will be so fun to get all the news about what Gary, Marnie and Meg have been up too since they arrived ten days ago.

mummy packaging up the 'knitting for the needy' scarves, beanies and blankets

We have been busy preparing for this trip. Kelli has been working a full time job and using most of her spare time putting the finishing touches on the incredible ’shine’ program we are launching next weekend in Kiandu. Rachel has been putting in a big effort supporting Kellie.

Matty and Steve worked all day and night on Sunday here fixing and reformatting all the laptops that were donated while my mum and I spent the afternoon packaging up scarves and beanies and blankets for the homeless here in Sydney as part of my other little charity project ‘knitting for the needy’. Lena has been putting together her teaching strategy for her computer lessons. I have been running around collecting cords and laptops and trying to organise last minute logistics.

Today me Lena and Kellie are trying to figure out the tetris-like game of stuffing as many laptops, clothes, manuals, books and other bits and pieces as we can into our 30kg limit! if they don’t fit i’m going to stuff laptops down my pants and into my jackets and just waddle through customs looking half woman half machine! ha ha ha!

Ok, next update you get will be from Kiandu!

Exciting news – Team 1 Meg, Marnie and Gary have been doing a tour around Kenya and are about to arrive in Kiandu tomorrow. These guys are a wonderful family team who have so much to offer in the village. They have been working so hard in the build up to this trip preparing for their volunteer projects.

Gary, who is an engineer by trade, will be working with the locals on Water projects and also on design/building a school farm and a building structure for the school feeding program.

Meg, who is the deputy principal of Manly selective campus here in Sydney will be interviewing Kenyan schools for a sister school program as well as helping with fundraising and assisting schools in an advisory role.

Marnie who is 16 years of age, will be running a music program in Kiandu. Marnie managed to get donations of over 300 recorders and has created song books and music sheets to donate to Kiandu schools so the program will continue after she leaves.

The second wave of us will hit Kiandu in just under 2 weeks. Lena is coming over to teach computer literacy and to run some fun drama workshops. Also she will be in charge of filming and documenting our journey.

Kelli, Meg, Donna, Gary, Mellissa, Marni, Leena and Amaris

Kelli Chandler (who has been working her butt off) is running the ‘shine’ program and I will be assisting. Shine is a program which aims to foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of school students. It teaches them about leadership, connectedness, communication, resilience and other key life skills aimed to give them a greater quality of life. It is going to be inserted into the school curriculum and run throughout the year in groups. We are launching in 86 schools in the Kiandu district!

I just wanted to thank everyone who has donated their resources, time and money into the lead up to this trip.This really is a team effort and there is no way any of this would have been possible without your support.

To all of you who have donated your recorders – especially to To Colleen Russel at billy hyde music shop, St Marys Primary school in Manly & to Corpus Christie school, and Christine OBrien (mum) – a big thanks! And also to those who generously donated your laptops. They are going to be so well used!

To Manly selective Campus, Thank you for donating all the book printing for the music program.

Thank you Alicia Navarro for your recent generous donation and also to Killarney Heights SRC. The money you’ve donated is a heaven sent!

A very special thank you to Rachel Claxton who has been working so hard assisting Kellie with the ‘Shine’ program. Also to Sascha Hutt who very kindly offered her time to create our fabulous logo for the Shine program. To Amaris Leong for your continued support, and of course to the incredible 5 people volunteering in Kenya with me – Kellie, Lena, Marnie, Meg and Gary. You guys are amazing!

None of this would have been possible without all of you! Thank you Thank you!!

If anyone would like to donate to the Kiandu villagers you can donate through paypal. Every single penny you donate goes straight into the village and we can use it while we are over there and take photo/vid for you for feedback.

Happy Easter everyone!

Warmly

Mellissa

So what are we up too in Kiandu?

We are planning to pack quite a bit into our time in the village. Our Focus on this trip is on 80% Education and Attitude/Mindset and 20% in “bricks and mortar” change.  Oh and 110% on having fun while we do it! (hang on that doesn’t add up – ahh who cares!)

Why the 80%/20% focus? I could give a very long winded answer, but put simply – I’m a big believer that before the outer transformation there has to be an inner transformation. That is if we want lasting change and not quick fixes.

Anthropologist and vice president of ‘food for the hungry international’, Darrow Miller, puts it like this…

“What is the solution to the problem of poverty? There must be a transformation of minds and hearts. Development and the end of hunger and poverty must proceed from the inside out.

And Author Lawrence E. Harrison says, Personal and cultural values can create a matrix which either defines and enhances, or retards the development of individuals and whole societies. In his book Culture Matters: How values shape human progress Harrison asserts that there are certain values, beliefs, and attitudes promote democracy, social justice, and prosperity and peace.

Don’t get me wrong here, I am not attempting to oversimplify the multifaceted problem of poverty. Its not that simple. There are many factors at play to be sure. But its wise to know that economy and culture are dynamically interrelated. To work on one but not another seems shortsighted.

So our focus is on this trip is giving tools and strategies to for people to be more empowered in their attitudes while at the same time we’re working in areas like education, microfinance, irrigation, entrepreneurship training and also some bricks and mortar fixing up around the place.

We are approaching this from a few different angels but out focus for this year is on a project I am very passionate about…

Shine

We are launching the revolutionary new program ‘Shine’ in 75 schools (primary and highschools) in the Kiandu district. This program will be inserted into the school curriculum and run throughout the year in groups.

‘Shine’ aims to foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of young people and therefore, their community. It teaches students to develop a greater sense of self, resilience, connectedness, leadership, and aims to enable them to live more meaningful and fulfilled lives as positive members of the community.

This program is extremely well researched and tested. It has the potential to be replicated in any school in Africa. To our knowledge, nothing like this has ever been tried in Kenya (or Africa?) so if all goes well the potential is fantastic. I am so excited about this project and we’re incredibly blessed to have the amazing Kelli Chandler as our facilitator who is working her butt off to create an outstanding program.

We will also be running some trial programs for adults while in Kiandu that aim to illustrate the relationship between mindset, behavior & lifestyle and how to take control of the governing forces that drive us.

Inspiring Books Needed

As part of our goal to inspire minds and hearts, we are appealing for inspiring books to take over with us to Kiandu. Got any books sitting around in your bookshelf collecting dust that could be enriching the lives of the Kiandu peeps? Or maybe you’d like to buy them a copy of your favourite book? It can be anything that you found enriched your life or inspired you. Could be Business related, spiritual, Psychology, Inspiring biography, health, love. Pass on the good stuff! Post or drop your books into (in the next 6 weeks) Killarney Heights Highschool or Manly selective campus. Please Attention it to Marnie Peters.

Music Program – Recorders Needed

We are aiming to stuff our suitcases full of recorders and music books for Kiandu primary school students who will have the opportunity learn and perform some tunes with Marnie, our music tutor. The kiandu kids are naturally expressive, creative and musical so we wanted to give them an opportunity to make music and perform a little concert while we’re there. The goal is to set up a program that can continue after we’re gone.

We really need more donations of recorders ASAP. If you have an old recorder lying around in the back of your cupboard or your school has some to spare please send/drop them (in the next 4 weeks) into Killarney Heights Highschool or Manly selective campus. Please Attention it to Marnie Peters. They will bring so much joy to the kids!

Computer Literacy Program – Laptops Needed

The wonderful miss Lena Zak will be generously spending most of her time in Kiandu teaching computer literacy to students, teachers and residents. I think you’ll all agree that having this skill can open up the whole world of opportunity to this little village.

We are also in dire need of some donations of laptops to take over. Convince your boss, your wife, you mate, yourself! This will be a gift that may well be the best bang for buck gift you could possibly give to a charity (and delivered straight into the hands of those who need it) To donate your laptop (in the next 6 weeks) please contact Melli to get a pickup or Killarney Heights Highschool or Manly selective campus. Please Attention it to Marnie Peters.

Education  is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.

~Nelson Mandela

Building Works

An incredible asset to our team is Gary Peters who is an engineer by trade.  He will be helping with advising, designing and overseeing of various building projects including a school farm, irrigation projects and more.

Fundraising & School Optimisation

Meg Tulk has an incredible skill-set to offer in Kiandu as she is a school deputy principal. She will be advising and assisting schools in the kiandu region to run more efficiently and be able to raise their standard of education. She will also be assisting with fundraising projects.

Thank you everyone who has been kind and supportive of kiandu. This is absolutely a team effort. The friends of kiandu are growing by the day both in Australia and in Kenya. Its amazing and heartwarming to see so many people rallying to the cause!

Ps. If you would like to contribute to kiandu but you don’t have the time to send a recorder, book or laptop you can always make a donation and we’ll get supplies for you. love melli x

Here in Sydney we have an amazing, dedicated, enthusiastic team working hard on several projects to be launched in kiandu in May.  Honestly, I have no idea where these amazing people came from. I feel unbelievably blessed to have these wonderful souls working with me.  I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for my team here that as I write this I am getting a bit of a tear in my eye. Thank you guys!! All I had was a vision, you actually make this dream come alive! Without your support none of this would be able to see the light of day. These guys are all busy with their own work and school commitments and they are putting their time and resources on the line to make this happen.

Kelli, Meg, Donna, Gary, Mellissa, Marni, Leena and Amaris

Its just beautiful what can happen when people come together in the name of kindness!

We have now a team of 9 coming to Kiandu. Myself (Melli O’Brien), Kelli chandler, Leena Zak, Meg Tulk, Marnie & Gary Peters, Donna & Mark Gibson and their cute little 2 year old Harly.

Besides those coming over to Kiandu we also have a great deal of help from the wonderful Amaris Leong, Matty Dickinson, Christine O’Brien (my awesome mummy!) and a handful of other great ‘friends of kiandu’ who give us their donations of time, money and kindness.

As all of this planning and working is going on in Sydney the guys in Kenya are just absolutely on fire! I think its their commitment and passion that keep me excited about what we can all achieve together if we put our minds to it.

Since we left they have achieved so much. Not only have they created their own registered self help group had their own successful fundraisers but they have managed to get electricity connected to the school, built chairs and tables and lockers for the students & created a polytechnic (like a tafe) for the students who don’t go to further education. They have fed students on exam days so every child could be guaranteed a meal and be able to concentrate on exams.  Recently they have got computers to the school and now teachers are being trained to use them and just this week more classrooms are being cemented!

registration certificate for kiandu self help group in kenya

Its so exciting to see our original goals for the school being ticked off one by one. I can’t tell you how much satisfaction it gives me! What started out as a 6 week trip to Kenya in 2009 has turned into an growing family of volunteers (both in Kenya and Australia) working to uplift, inspire and educate in Kiandu. The committee in Kenya have been so dedicated and hard working since we left and they have achieved so much. Their ongoing commitment has inspired me and now we are planning our next Kiandu adventure in April 2011.

kiandu primary school class

Ok let me tell you some of the latest developments. A new one to tick off our list – The school now has electricity and ……..drum roll………….a new computer!!! Boy is this going to make life easier for the staff who have been doing up everything from timetables to budgets with pen and paper! We have been dreaming about this day for a year and a half!

Also the committee have been providing students lunches during their exam time to ensure they have food and energy on these important days. Some of the children have nothing, or very little to eat some days and so, as you can imagine, find it hard to concentrate. Making sure they have a full tummy for exams is a great help! The parents have been coming in to help them with the preparation and cooking on these days.

It has certainly been encouraging to find that grades in Kiandu primary school have improved over this past year but there is still a way to go for sure.

Books have been filtering into the library we built over there which is wonderful too but again we have a way to go before it is full.

Here down under we have been assembling a little family of volunteers who will be visiting Kiandu next year. We currently have a few projects in the works for next year.

kiandu kids!

The wonderful Kelli Chandler & marvelous Meg Tulk will be coming over to implement a powerful program which aims to help students develop the skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies to improve mental well being and help them respond positively when faced with challenges. Key skills learnt are resilience, assertiveness, decision making, problem solving, goal setting and leadership.

Through this program we hope the kids will live more happy and meaningful lives and contribute positively to their community. The program is integrated into curricula and sustained through groups all year. It will be launched in around 75 schools in the Kiandu district and if it works well, will be able to spread further from there. I am a big believer that what we create in the external world is a reflection of our inner world so it makes sense to me that happy strong minds can create vibrant abundant communities.

A sister school program will also be launched next year partnering schools in the Kiandu district and Sydney schools. While in Kenya in April we will be profiling schools in need of some assistance. Our goal is twofold. Firstly to teach an attitude of compassion, kindness and service to Aussie kids who can get involved in fundraising activities and learn that they can make a difference. Secondly to provide much needed provisions to Kenyan schools in need at the same time uplifting them and giving hope and enthusiasm. Obviously they will both benefit from learning from each others different cultures as well and in future there may even be scope for an exchange program. We have already had quite a bit of interest from Sydney schools wanting to be involved. If your interested in having your school participate please contact us and i will keep you informed as things unfold. We are looking for extra people to help run this project so get in touch if your curious!

The sign out the front of the school

Gary Tulk will be coming over with us to Kiandu to help out the committee with some building and farm projects. Kiandu primary school is working on a school farm and feeding program to ensure al the children are able to get a meal each day at school while learning about growing food at the same time. The school also needs some more work done (especially cementing some more floors) so Gary will be there with us overseeing those projects.

Also on our team is Marnie Tulk. Marnie is going to be coming over to teach music lessons to the Kiandu kids. She is looking for any donations of recorders to take over with us or recorder music books. If you have any to donate please contact us

Would you like to get involved and become a ‘friend of Kiandu’? There may be ways you can help us.

Teachers over in Kiandu have requested that we bring them some inspirational books. Do you have any books that can help to uplift, motivate, inspire? Hold on to them for us! We’ll collect them before we go over in April.

We’d also really like to take some computers over for them, preferably laptops as they are easier to transport. Anyone got spare laptops? We are also looking for someone with good computer literacy to come over and teach basic computer skills to the teachers and admin in the village.

Another project which we believe could do a lot of good in the area would be the set up of an alcoholics anonymous. If anyone out there could help us with this or if we could even get a drug/alcohol councilor to the village it would be most helpful.

You may also be able to help us with research, fundraising and other activities so please feel free just to get in touch and let us know you’d like to help. We’re going to be very busy over these months leading up to our trip. There is plenty to do!

You know, i have to say, since this whole journey began i have been so touched by how eager my friends and even strangers have to help in any way they can. It really is amazing how kind and generous people are. Thank you to everyone who has been involved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Lots of love

Mellisa

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has – Margaret Mead

This is a message to all the big-hearted teachers out there…

We Need Your Help!

Have you ever been curious about volunteering in Africa? If so we have an extraordinary opportunity you could be a part of.

We need your help to launch an extraordinary program which aims to dramatically improve the quality of the lives of some gorgeous children in Kenya. This is a very unique project and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

If this sounds interesting to you then read on!

About Us

Us four Aussies in Kiandu with some of the kids

‘Friends of Kiandu’ is unlike other volunteering organisations you’ll come across. We are about as grass roots as you can get! In 2009 4 mates from Sydney embarked on an adventure to see how we could improve the quality of life and education of the children of Kiandu village in Kenya.

While we were there the main focus was on fixing up the very dilapidated Kiandu primary school but also inspiring the community to value education, teaching the school to fundraise and also inspiring them to help themselves.

We achieved a lot while we were there in a short time and we have now joined forces with a group of ex students of Kiandu primary and together we are all continuing working towards our vision for the Kiandu kids.

For the full story about our journey please go to www.kiandu.com and also watch the kiandu story movie. (Be warned – you’ll fall in love with the kids!)

The joy of being a small grass roots charity is that we do not spend any money on paid advertising and our operating costs are minimal meaning that any money we have raised or had donated goes straight to our Kiandu projects

Our Challenge

One thing that we realised at the end of our last adventure in Kiandu was the fact that even when we complete fixing the school for the kids, they faced some huge challenges that were destroying their quality of life before they could even finish school. So when we got home we set about finding a way to address these problems.

Beautiful Kiandu Kids

The main challenges for the kids are drugs (particularly glue sniffing), crime, gangs and an attitude of hopelessness and powerlessness.

The kids often make life-altering decisions that led them down a destructive path before they really understand the gravity of the their choices. We realised that we needed a way to educate them about these things and empower them before it was too late.

The Next Adventure – Launching Student Support Program Kenya

In 2011 we are going back to Kenya to launch the ‘Student Support Program’ but to do this we really need the help of some committed teachers!

The ‘Student Support Program’ is a dynamic, peer led program. Its aims are to help students develop the skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies to improve mental well being and help them respond positively when faced with challenges. Key skills learnt are resilience, assertiveness, decision making, problem solving, goal setting and leadership.

It empowers students to support each other and contribute positively to their community. The program is integrated into curricula and sustained through all year groups.

It will work in a similar way to the Peer Support Program in Australia but tailored to the specific challenges and needs of the Kenyan children.

There are already 52 schools in the Kiandu district eagerly waiting to take part in the program but in order to make this project happen what we need are some dedicated volunteer teachers as our partners.

Matt, Mellissa, Sam and Franca Metting with Parents and Teachers

Teachers – Do You Want To Join Us For A Life Changing Experience?

We need proactive and committed teachers to step up to this amazing challenge and join our team for the experience of a lifetime! We ourselves are not teachers so we need your expertise to make this happen. We would particularly love teachers who have experience in running the peer support program in their schools.

What Is Involved?

Over the coming months you’ll be helping us finalise development of the program in conjunction with our team in Kenya. You may also need to undergo the 2 day training in the Australian peer support program if you have never done it (no cost to you).

Then it’s off to Kenya to launch the program in Kiandu. This will mean helping to train the 52 teachers (during a 2 day training session) and then also helping the teachers to get the program integrated into the school culture in the weeks that follow.

The Basic Details

You would need a minimum of 2 weeks in Kenya. Currently we are aiming to launch in the Easter holidays break 11 – 25th April 2011.

Your costs once on the ground are minimal. In fact I’m 100% sure you’ll never ever find a cheaper, more authentic volunteer opportunity through any volunteer travel agency.

The accommodation is comfortable, safe and quite lovely….and its free! After our host mumma Mary saw the work we did last time she has kindly offered to have us and anyone we bring with us back as her guests as she knows we’re there to help the community. She’ll take great care of us.

Airport transfers, food, etc, can all be organised by our team and host mumma for minimal cost and they can also help to organise safaris and fun excursions for you as well. You will have to pay for your own flights and travel expenses. Maybe if you’re strapped for cash you could get your whole school involved in some creative fundraising to get you there!

If Your Interested Get In Touch Today!

If you have questions or you think you might be interested and want more details shoot me an email or give me a bell on 0401 359 559

We would love to have you on our team. We really cannot make this happen without you!

Kindest Regards,

Mellissa

ps – Please pass this message around to any teachers you think might be interested.

]]> http://www.kiandu.com/2010/08/volunteer-teachers-wanted-for-a-very-special-project/feed/ 9 http://www.kiandu.com/2010/02/opening-the-door-to-dreams/ http://www.kiandu.com/2010/02/opening-the-door-to-dreams/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:15:43 +0000 Melly http://www.kiandu.com/?p=468 I have been thinking a lot about Kiandu lately. Perhaps it is because I myself am undergoing some further education. I am learning about something i am passionate about and in 2 years time I will be able to do something I love for a living. What a beautiful gift that is. I can choose to further my education. I can learn if i want too! I feel so grateful for that.

Then of course you can see why i am thinking about my wonderful friends in Kiandu too. They don’t have the choices that we have here. They have so many challenges in the way of simply getting an adequate education to raise them out of the cycle of poverty – let alone getting an education a good enough for them to live out their dreams. 

Over the Christmas period another of the goals on our to do list for the school was acheived. The roofs of the school were painted. The roofs needed painting to stop them rusting and getting holes (which is no fun when it rains). This will preserve the roof for much longer than having it exposed to the elements and it also looks really lovely too!

Our committee were also able to buy more desks,books for the library and are now in the process of getting an electricity connection! Also in the pipeline is re-structuring the library including acquiring some new furniture and then the commitee are wanting to do a finish and a painting of the classrooms.

This year is, I beleive, going to be a big year for the kids and the community in Kiandu. We have all the improvements on the physical structure of the school going on and we are still working towards getting the peer support training over there in August/ September this year.  This will be the first program of its kind in Africa. It teaches the children leadership, goal setting, positive decision making skills and more. This will be an ongoing program run in school time. There are 45 other schools in the district wanting to get involved with peer support so we will make sure we give them all the training and materials they need to make it work. It’s all very exciting!

Package of pictures, book and letter from Globe-Wilkins, sent to Kiandu

In other equally wonderous news – The Kiandu pen pal program is up and running. The children in Kiandu received a package of letters, drawings and a beautiful book called ‘Whoever you are’ by Mem Fox from Globe-Wilkin’s School in Marrickville. I have recived word that they are very excited to have pen pals from ‘Aussie Land’ and are going to work on sending something back to the kids here down under!

There is plenty more we need to work on before our vision is achieved but we are making good progress now and there will be more funds made available for the school very soon so more works can take place. The future is looking brighter for Kiandu for sure. 

Our committee members in Kiandu wanted me to pass their new year regards to all colleagues, friends and well wishers in Australia and thank you all for your support.

I’ll close by sharing this wonderful quote i saw recently…

He who opens a school door, closes a prison - Victor Hugo

I love this quote. I believe it too. I believe we can all make a difference and bring joy and peace to others (and ourselves in the process) if we choose too. This quote reminded me of a story I heard years ago that really inspired me. Its effect has really stuck with me and when i think back, made a tremendous change in my life.

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed 
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.  
The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?  
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, 
and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said…”
I made a difference for that one.”

I used to be so dismayed by the state of the world and my inability to help the situation until i heard that story. I teaches us to feel empowered to make a difference and to know that each and every life is precious so any small happiness or hope you can bring to a person is well worth the effort. Any effort to make a difference is worthwhile!

Some of our wonderful committee

Speaking of making a difference – our wonderful committee in Kiandu continue to be inspirations to their community every day. They are  running leadership programs in Kiandu and they are preparing food for the children during their exams so they can concentrate. Can you imagine what it would be like to try and concentrate on an exam when you have not been able to eat properly for days or weeks? These exams can mean a huge difference for the future of these children. It  means continuing education if they get high enough grades and can mean getting into a better school. 

What else is news? Well some of the classrooms now have brand new desks and chairs! Check em out! Not only that but now the children of standards 7 & 8 also have lockers as well. The good works are continuing on bit by bit, day by day.

Brand new desks and chairs!

The committee are also now working on an irrigation project for the school. This will ensure year round healthy crops in the schools fields instead of being dependent on the rains. What a great idea!

Over the Christmas break there will be some more works done on the school (including furnishing the library and filling up its shelves) while the children are away so I will give an update on that soon.

At the moment it is looking like me and some Aussies will be back in Kiandu in September next year. We will be  launching ‘Peer Support Africa’ at Kiandu primary in the hopes that we can teach the children leadership, goal setting, positive decision making skills and more. This will be an ongoing program run in schools by teachers and students. There are many other schools in the district wanting to get involved with peer support so we will make sure we give them all the training and materials they need to make it happen when we come out next year. I can’t wait to see everyone again!

Our committee have also been working on the Medical Clinic in Kiandu. Through their previous efforts the clinic was established and now they are continuing to improve it.

I am truly Inspired and moved by the magic and the momentum that is still happening in the small village of Kiandu. It reminds me of the starfish story and it certainly shows that one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect that can continue for a long time after the pebble was thrown. 

The Medical Clinic

Recently our wonderful and dedicated committee members (who are mostly made up of ex students of kiandu primary) visited the school for a very special event. They had a special presentation day with all the teachers and students. They were very excited to give them a whole bunch of new books for the library we built! They were also able to present the school with a cheque for ksh789100.00 which they will be able to use for fixing up the school and paying teachers wages. This is desperately needed funds. General motors also kindly donated prizes to old students, teachers and pupils.

the children at kiandu primary with their new books!

One thing the old boys have been wanting to do for a long time was burn down the old decrepit toilets as a ceremony in honour of the progress we are all making to modernise the school. Now that we have the new toilet blocks the old unusable ones were finally burnt to the ground. I wish i was there to see that! Those toilets were really crazy.

Soon the committee will also have the money we recently raised for Kiandu Primary as well so the school will get another injection of funds. This is all wonderful and positive stuff. Thank you to everyone is is getting behind this great cause.

Presenting a cheque to kiandu primary school

One of the old toilets burning to the ground

the teachers with their gifts from general motors

the children creating something very special

Little people can teach big lessons sometimes. Maybe the little kids at Globe-Wilkin’s Preschool in Marrickville can teach you, through their actions, that you can do something to make a difference….and have fun in the process! 

A little while ago a very special teacher named Simone Morcom heard about what we were doing over in Kiandu and she decided she wanted to do something to help us out. Together with her class they worked and worked on a very special project for us.

Here is what Simone wrote to me about it..

Hi Mellissa – How are you going? I Loved your Blog about your work in Kenya and all the hard work you guys did!

It really inspired my teaching and hence the children from my Pre-school have created 2 wonderful art works that they wish to be auctioned and the proceeds to go to the School (in Kiandu).

The Children have also put a letter together for the children at the (Kiandu) school. We have been very busy and excited about this experience and through it all I have been teaching with a hidden agenda, to encourage the children to reflect on their privilege and use it to help others! So it has been a wonderful learning journey for us all!

The Children would love to develop a relationship with the Kiandu Kids and we were hoping that that may happen! I have some very passionate children from the pre-school that would blow you away with their re-count of why we are doing this work! It brings a proud tear to my eye everytime!

I was thrilled and touched with what Simone and her kids were doing and told her we’d be excited to have their paintings in our charity auction. What an amazing teacher!

As the date of the charity auction drew closer the school had a little party to say goodbye and good luck to the paintings and even the mayor of Marrickville came to the ceremony! He had heard about what they were doing and wanted to come and show his support. 

Simone and the children at Globe-Wilkins Preschool

We entered the 2 very special paintings in our charity auction on September 5th. Here they are with their descriptions..

‘Just No Ordinary Tapping Sticks’ 

This painting is titled- ‘Just No Ordinary Tapping sticks’. It was created as some of the children viewed the Kiandu website and together we thought about how we can use our privilege to help the Kiandu children. We then came up with the idea of an art work that would be based around something we were doing already – that being ‘tapping sticks and Aboriginal art’. We combined the two themes and over 3 months created a wonderful art work that represents many Aboriginal symbols entwined with some hidden tapping sticks that the children had originally traced around. Each Aboriginal symbol used is located on the back of the artwork, with the meaning attached. The children were fascinated that the children in Kenya had no toilet paper and “they used books to wipe their bottoms” was repeated over and over again! The Children also continued to make comments about the pictures of the children with face paint on exclaiming many times “hey we like face painting and popcorn too!

'Just No Ordinary Tapping Sticks'

‘Working Together’ 

The art work was inspired through a book called ‘Whoever you are’ by Mem Fox. The story starts “whoever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world. There skin may be different from yours, and their homes may be different from yours…….” Through this beautiful story, we have really reflected on the importance of ‘working together’ regardless of skin colour, age race etc….. This art work was created together as a large group of diverse people. It is a very textured painting that children and staff have been working on. Recently, a child stood back and exclaimed, “it’s done”! And that was that! The painting was complete after his words and we were so excited that the decision to complete this painting came from a child.

'Working Together'

When it came time to auction the paintings on the night Simone stood up and described what these paintings meant to the children and how hard they had worked on them. The people in the crowd were visably moved by what they had done and the paintings really were beautiful too. Simone was so happy when “Just No Ordinary Tapping Sticks’ sold for $600 and ‘Working Together’ sold for $780. What a great result! What an amazing lesson for the children. You can make a difference if you try. That money will go a long way in Kiandu. Thanks guys!

Package of pictures, book and letter from Globe-Wilkins, sent to Kiandu

Since then I have sent over to Kiandu a package that Simone gave to me from her and her kids. It included the book ‘Whoever you are’ by Mem Fox -  The book that their ‘Working Together’ painting was based on. It also included photo’s of them and Franca and Sams visit to their school plus pictures and notes from the children as well as a letter telling them about themselves and what they had done. I know the kids in Kiandu will be so thrilled to receive these gifts and we are hoping to start a pen pal relationship between the 2 schools now.

Thank you Simone and everyone at Globe-Wilkin’s Preschool. You guys really did a very special thing – We look forward to a continuing a relationship with you and the kids.

The turn out for the Nairobi Fundraiser

Some of the Kiandu.com Committee at the Nairobi Fundraiser

This was due in part to the generosity of barclays bank who offered to match what they raised on the night. Thank Barclays. To the committee -Great work guys! I know you worked hard to achieve such a wonderful result. you should all be so proud of yourselves.

Well us Aussies here were so unbelievably impressed with what they have achieved since we left that we decided we had to show them our support too. On September 5th we also hosted a fundraiser and charity auction for Kiandu and raised over $15,000AUD as well! This cash is going to achieve so much in Kiandu! We are all so overjoyed with the results of both events and are excited about what positive changes we can bring to Kiandu as a result.

One of the speakers at the Nairobi Fundraiser on July 30th

People here in Sydney have been really touched by the Kiandu story. So many people have been supportive of what we are doing. Our fundraiser and charity auction would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of those people who got behind the cause.

A big thank you to the Sebel Hotel, Surry Hills and most notably to Christian Rasmus. We couldn’t have done it without your support. To all the generous people who donated an item for the charity auction we are all so grateful! To Drumbeats and especially to Angela – who kindly came and did an amazing performance of african drumming for us, thank you thank you! You guys were amazing.Chrissy Bray our very gorgeous, funny and fabulous host and auctioneer. You were just mindblowingly good! Thanks for pulling in the big bucks in the cutest way possible! To everyone who attended and bid. Your all awesome. Thank you thank you thank you all!

A very special painting that was auctioned off For Kiandu with the happy winners

Franca, Mellissa and Simone at the Sydney fundraiser and charity auction

Tomorrow the committee members from Nairobi are heading to Kiandu school to do a presentation about how the 2 fundraisers went and to start immediate work on upgrading the school. They will be building new desks and chairs for the pupils, buying books to fill up our lovely library and some furniture so the kids can study there after school (many of their homes are not great learning environments). They will also be giving them more supplies of sanitary pads and toilet paper and will immediately start work of fixing the roof as it is leaking and deteriorating badly.

Chrissy - our gorgeous auctioneer and Mellissa auctioning a painting

While they are there they will also begin the process of connecting electricity to the school and want to get computers and internet access to the school. This will also be a way of generating income for the school as members of the community will be able to come and use computers and print for a fee. We will be helping them get their hands on some computers from Australia.

They also have the polytechnic open at the school now which was a big dream for the school. The polytechnic is like Tafe. Teachers there will provide education on trade skills and business for the many students who will not make it on to higher education. They can learn woodworking, building, business skills and hopefully much more in the future. This will also be a great source of income for the school. They are only starting off simply and small but in future we hope it can grow.

Us four Aussies in Kiandu with some of the kiddies

There are many more plans for the cash we have raised. I will provide a detailed plan on the blog here over the next few weeks as we nut it all out. 

I am also meeting with peer support Australia today to discuss how we can roll out the peer support program in Kiandu and other schools in the district.  Its all very exciting!

Full details about the Nairobi and Australian fundraisers will be published here this week. Stay tuned.

The Kiandu Story from Kiandu.com

Here is a sneak peek at the auction items going up for grabs. Remember if you haven’t already got your tickets click here to grab them now. You can alternatively grab them at the door on the night. Remember to tell your friends and bring them along too. The more the merrier!

Dinner For Two At Albies Restaurant, Sebel Hotel Surry Hills
A dinner voucher for $150 at the very funky Albies restaurant…yummy! Check out Albies Here

Manicure and Pedicure Voucher
1 Voucher for a manicure and pedicure at Ella Bache’ college of skin and beauty. Located in North Sydney

Swedish Massage and Facial Voucher
1 Voucher for a Swedish massage and facial at Ella Bache’ college of skin and beauty. Located in North Sydney.

Ella Bache’ Product Pack
1 Ella Bache’ product pack. Includes 1 refreshing earth body lotion, 1 moisture bath hand lotion and 1 radiance elixir for face. Also included is an Ella Bache’ apron.

African Animals Painting For Kiandu
Kyle, Matts little brother, has been very touched by the stories of the children in Africa and he wanted to contribute something to help them. He has always been great at art so he has created a wonderful artwork to raise money for the cause.

Case of Wine
A whole case of vino….who could resist! 6 bottles Hiughton white classic 2009 and 6 bottles Wolf Blass red label cabernet Sauvignon 2008.

An Afternoon With An Organising Wiz!
Pamela is a professional & personal assistant who can create customised solutions to help you get organised. She can help you find balance, restore order and maximise resources. Providing ideas, information, structure, solutions, tools and systems which increase productivity and reduce stress. Who can benefit? Anyone from big businesses to individuals, busy mums and families. Do you have a to-do list you just can’t seem to prioritise or a messy disorganised filing cabinet? Do you need help coordinating a project (weddings, office renovations…) or need a PA to help pay bills, walk the dog schedule appointments, recruit staff? What ever you have that needs organising Pam can help. Let her help free up your time so you can do what’s really important to you!

Nintendo DS game Pack For Boys
Nintendo DS game Pack for boys aged 5-12years each with a RRP of $119.90. These are very popular games, so parents should snap them up!
· Petz: My Baby Panda
· Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs

Nintendo DS game Pack For Girls
Nintendo DS game Pack for girls aged 5-12years with a RRP of $179.85. These are very popular games, so grab ‘em while they’re hot!
· Petz: My Horsez Family
· My Secret World
· Imagine: Detective Adventures

Left For Dead – An amazing Tale Of Survival In The Australian Outback
In 2006 the news broke of an amazing feat of survival by a white man in one of the most inhospitable areas of Australia. Abducted and left for dead in the desert, Ricky endured a terrible ordeal. Find out how he survived 71 days lost in the outback. A good yarn for a good cause. For more about Ricky Check out his website

Indian Patchwork Harem Pants
Donated by Matts uncle who sells bright and beautiful Indian clothing styles. These pants are one size fits all.

Bodhi In The Park Restaurant Voucher
$100 voucher plus a complementary bottle of wine. Set in a tranquil, modern garden setting, this hidden gem is the perfect space for an introduction to Asian vegan cuisine. Go for a yum cha lunch or a dinner. Conveniently located in Cook and Phillip Park in the city. Yummy and healthy…enjoy!

Ertoic Wines….

Kama Sutra Shiraz – The Union of the Butterfly
A dry summer had contributed to a slow fruit ripening process to develop its deep rich color and unique character to make this wine experience to be remembered with fine roasts and baked dinners….Hmmmm what’s for desert?

Kama Sutra Chardonnay – The Union of the Crab
Distinctly identifiable as rich ripe Chardonnay fruit with flavours of white peach, pear and stone fruit. It exhibits full palate yet retaining youthful freshness with touch of new French oak which gives this wine length and sound structure. Maybe have a glass before you try the crab!

Kama Sutra Cabernet Sauvignon – The Union of the Star
This Cabernet Sauvignon is grown under the Southern Cross and the Milky Way array of stars on rich red terra-Rosa soil approximately 640 meters above sea level and about 240 kilometres inland. This provides ideal growing conditions for this late picked variety, which is then lightly matured in French oak, which makes this a well balanced (and sexy) wine.

Kama Sutra Durif – The Union of the Monkey
Deep rich and almost purple in colour this full bodied wine generously displays dense packed ripe raspberry, chocolate and vanilla nuances, which add to a complex array of flavour and weight. The with light support of French oak throughout gives this wine good structure for immediate consumption or long term cellaring. A very stimulating drop!

Curious to know more about these wines? Go to the Kama Sutra Website to find out more

The Ultimate Trading Solution Valued at $2995 Including Book + Audio Book ‘The Science Of Getting Rich’
This is a very unique opportunity to get your hands on a product that could drastically change your life. The Ultimate Trading Solution DVD Series, is a compilation of all the rules, strategies, hints, tips and tricks that Kim Reilly has used to trade the Australian Options Markets, and put them all together in this 8 DVD long Options Trading program. Australian Options Trader, Kim Reilly has educated tens of thousands of people in how to transform their lives using his simple options trading techniques.
‘I have been in the fortunate position of being able to live my dreams working part-time from home and I want to give you the opportunity of seeing how this can be done.’ – Kim Reilly

Mellissa and Matt have known Kim since before he became wealthy through trading shares and have watched him master it and then teach it to others who have been able to replicate the results. This stuff works!
Kim also realises that to create wealth you need to create the psychology of wealth within yourself so he has also included a free book + audio of the famous book ‘The Science of Getting Rich’

‘THERE is a Science of getting rich, and it is an exact science, like algebra or arithmetic. There are certain laws which govern the process of acquiring riches; once these laws are learned and obeyed by any man, he will get rich with mathematical certainty.
The ownership of money and property comes as a result of doing things in a certain way; those who do things in this Certain Way, whether on purpose or accidentally, get rich; while those who do not do things in this Certain Way, no matter how hard they work or how able they are, remain poor.
It is a natural law that like causes always produce like effects; and, therefore, any man or woman who learns to do things in this certain way will infallibly get rich.’

This book is a must read not only for people interested in acquiring material wealth but also those interested in having more abundance of happiness, love and health etc. Interested in Universal Trading Solutions? Click Here To Go To the Website Now

To Late For Tom
This book is the true account of Elizabeth Campbells experiences doing battle with the largest and most destructive industry in the world and one in which her son and many of his peers were a victims. Her son, Tom, a heroin addict from the age of fifteen to his present age of 48, is an integral part of this story. Elizabeths incredible drive to save other children from the same fate led her to create the ‘peer support program’ which is now run in schools world wide. We are going to now use her program for the first time in our Kiandu school in the hopes in may spread all through Africa! See more about Peer Support Here

2 Tickets To The Quest For Truth Weekend Seminar Valued at $595 Each!
Amir Zoghi is a respected modern age philosopher, an author and international speaker communicating his life transforming philosophies throughout the world. His rare gift of taking life’s deepest philosophies and communicating them in such a simple and profound manner is reflected in his inspired audiences. While his words of wisdom open minds and hearts, his authenticity breathes new life into those that seek more out of life.

Amir Zoghi is also one of the key contributors in the newly released film, the “Leap! Movie” which explores the meaning and purpose if life by questioning reality. Other well known key contributors of the Leap! Movie include; Dan Milman, Joe Vitale and Robert Scheinfeld.

How Can Amir Help You? Amir Zoghi can truly take you on a journey of self awareness and awaken you to your grand possibilities in life. His ability to share with you the deepest level of Truth in the simplest fashion possible has a life transforming effect. Become free from your limiting thoughts and choose the life you are inspired to live and not the one you ‘need’ to live.

Take the leap today and Join Amir for this powerful weekend program ‘The Quest For Truth’. Various dates and Australian capital cities to choose from.
Next Sydney Program – Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October @ Y Hotel 5-11 Wentworth Ave, Sydney. Check out more about Amir Here

REMO General Store Hamper
A mixed bag of serendipity from REMO General Store: T Shirts, Stripey Thing, Mouse Mat, Mugs, Gift Tins and other treats. Retail value $200. Check out Remos awesome site here

2 x Belly Dance Course worth $330
Ever wanted to shake it like Shakira? Now you can! Learn to BELLY DANCE with one of Australia’s leading exponents of this exotic dance form. Belly dance or Oriental dance is an ancient dance form that stems from the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean. It is today taught and practiced for many different reasons. What are they? Belly dance is a great way to get fit. Suitable for any age, shape and fitness level, it is a great activity to assist in toning and strengthening the entire body. Belly dance is the fun way to get fit! Belly dance is a great way for you to meet new people. In the relaxed atmosphere of our classes you can escape the daily grind and laugh, exercise and socialise all in one go! Belly dance will make you realise that your body is beautiful no matter what shape or size you are. It is a women’s dance created by women for women. Not that we need an excuse but Belly dance provides us with a great opportunity to dress up in lots of bling and make a lot of noise – woohoo!

One lucky bidder – and a friend – will have the opportunity to shimmy and shake through a 10 week term of Belly dancing lessons at either the internationally renowned Amera’s Palace in Newtown OR it’s sister school – Hips Don’t Lie Belly Dance Academy in Parramatta. Both schools employ the crème de le crème of Sydney’s Belly dancing instructors – all who have studied with world renowned Belly dance performers and teachers both nationally and internationally. They can really shake their stuff!

Classes are aimed at educating students about safe dance practices, the history and various styles of Belly Dance, respect for the dance itself and most importantly how to enjoy the dance and all of the fab, sparkly costumes that come attached to it! The classes and FUN and FANTASTIC – just like the teachers! By the end of a 10-week term you will have been taught various Belly dance techniques and how to listen and move to the music. In the more advanced classes, you will learn how to use props such as zills (finger cymbals), veil and stick. No experience necessary! Just bring along something to tie around your hips, lots of energy and a smile ?! Go on – shimmy your way into summer! To See the full details about what you’ll be getting Go to Ameras Place Website

Ornamental Drums
These beautiful drums will funky up your home. Generously donated by Drumbeats! Check out more info about Drumbeats

$200 Voucher For Watermark Restaurant
Watermark Restaurant’s sleek and stylish beachside position allows you to take full advantage of its majestic location, enjoying views over Balmoral Beach and across Sydney Harbour to Manly and North Head. This is Sydney dining at its very best. Why not begin your next dining experience with a water taxi direct to our back door? Watermark Restaurant has recently been bought by the brother/sister partnership of Mark and Monique McLoughlin. Local residents for over 10 years, they have always adored the location and views, guests are treated to every time they dine. Joining Mark and Monique as they embark on their new venture is Nathan Darling; Watermark’s new head chef. This fresh, creative talent has transformed the menu in to a stylish, modern Australian delight. Now the Watermark has all new mouthwatering A la carte and degustation menus. Look at the Watermarks Website Here

One Night of Luxury in the Sebel Surry Hills
Package includes one nights accommodation in a deluxe room with breakfast for two in Albies Restaurant and complimentary car parking. Valued at $483The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney offers luxury Sydney accommodation, with refurbished guestrooms and amenities…an ideal base for you to discover all that Sydney has to offer. Ideally located on the edge of Sydney’s CBD The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney is only minutes from popular Sydney shopping and dining precincts including Oxford and Crown Streets, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour and Central Railway Station. Enjoy! Check out the hotel Here

Sing Like A Superstar! One On One Vocal Training With a Professional Vocal Trainer!
Package Includes 3 Half Hour Sessions. From breathing technique, to being at ease performing in front of a live audience, singing lessons are a great fun way to improve on your vocal abilities. In just a few simple steps, Chrissy Bray will take your singing to the next level, bringing you confidence whether you like to sing in concert, or in the shower!

Chrissy Bray has toured the country singing with various DJs as a solo vocalist, and is currently recording an album. She studied music at a specialist music school, majoring in cello and voice, and has taught singing for people of all ages, with a focus on opening up and giving a truthful performance in any arena. Singing is not just about the perfect note, or the perfect sound. It’s about finding your own voice and letting it flow. A great singer is one who sings from the heart, even if it’s a fun pop song!

This package is suited to any person who desires to improve their singing ability, whether they be a professional or beginner. It’s never too early or too late for singing lessons -Give it a go! Check out more about Chrissy Here

Secret Sydney Harbour Sunset Picnic For 2 People
Elope on this romantic adventure! You will be picked up from Sebel pier one wharf by boat and dropped off to a secret location somewhere on the beautiful Sydney harbour. Enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper and champagne while you watch the sun slip away and the twinkling lights of Sydney start to sparkle. You will be picked up and dropped back at pier one wharf.

3 Hours With A Computer Genius!
Do you or your children need some help learning computer skills? Is there something new you’d like to learn about the world wide web? Are you having trouble with virus’s or is your computer just misbehaving but you don’t know what the problem is? Spend 3 hours with our computer genius Sam. He’ll come over and set it all right!

Cooking Class with Simply Sumptuous
With 22 years of cooking experience Georgina at ‘Simply Sumptuous’ offer a range of courses & menus from fresh homemade pasta and pizza, seasonal dishes to foods of the world and succulent, sweet desserts. We specialize in vegetarian cuisine and tasty yet healthier ways of cooking. Located in Manly with various times, days and courses to choose from. Yum! Usual cost $129 Go to Simply Sumptuous Website to check out more about the classes

2 Very Special Paintings ‘Just No Ordinary Tapping Sticks’ & ‘Working Together’
These paintings were created by the children at Globe-Wilkin’s Preschool in Marrickville.
‘Just No Ordinary Tapping Sticks’
This painting is titled- ‘Just No Ordinary Tapping sticks’. It was created as some of the children viewed the Kiandu website and together we thought about how we can use our privilege to help the Kiandu children. We then came up with the idea of an art work that would be based around something we were doing already – that being ‘tapping sticks and Aboriginal art’. We combined the two themes and over 3 months created a wonderful art work that represents many Aboriginal symbols entwined with some hidden tapping sticks that the children had originally traced around. Each Aboriginal symbol used is located on the back of the artwork, with the meaning attached. The children were fascinated that the children in Kenya had no toilet paper and “they used books to wipe their bottoms” was repeated over and over again! The Children also continued to make comments about the pictures of the children with face paint on exclaiming many times “hey we like face painting and popcorn too!
‘Working Together’
The art work was inspired through a book called ‘Whoever you are’ by Mem Fox. The story starts “whoever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world. There skin may be different from yours, and their homes may be different from yours…….” Through this beautiful story, we have really reflected on the importance of ‘working together’ regardless of skin colour, age race etc….. This art work was created together as a large group of diverse people. It is a very textured painting that children and staff have been working on. Recently, a child stood back and exclaimed, “it’s done”! And that was that! The painting was complete after his words and we were so excited that the decision to complete this painting came from a child.

21st Century Academy 5 Year Membership Valued at $4995
Take this opportunity to learn from over 20 amazing educators, including an Australian who went from well below zero to a self-made millionaire in his twenties by learning to develop the mindset of a millionaire and applying the latest, most exciting financial strategies available in the world today. The great news is that he is determined to help you to improve your personal and financial results. He believes this type of education, because it wasn’t taught at school, has kept the majority of the population constrained to a job and almost a slave to the banks. Jamie McIntyre is passionate about ensuring the average person becomes financially educated and has donated millions of dollars to the cause. If you would like to learn how to excel in the 21st Century and create an extraordinary quality of life, including how to make money while you sleep from investing, to free up your time to do other more important things than always working, then read on as you may be surprised at just how much success people are having every day within a matter of just a few short months. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t let this one slip away!

Learn how I became a SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE in my 20’s from Shares and Property Investing and how YOU can too!” And how to not only SURVIVE but THRIVE in a global credit crisis and why it is more profitable to invest now than ever! What is included in this 5 year membership?

4 Day Education For Life Program Held in multiple locations including most Australian capital cities and also in New Zealand and Fiji “Education for Life is not a 4 day seminar but rather a life transforming experience, where you learn not only the insights to realise how you’re life has been shaped so far, but access the tools, strategies and resources required to create an extraordinary quality of life. One of unlimited financial abundance and emotional fulfillment. I promise it will be an education and experience that will truly serve you for life”

* Internet and Business Mastery Seminar Held over 3 days in multiple locations is designed to help you make $4000 or more online within 12 to 24 months.

* Property and Finance 2 Day Workshop learn how to build a portfolio of ten or more properties in ten years or less in most capital cities. 

* RPA Time Management Seminar Learn a system of time management that enables you to juggle your career, investments and still have plenty of time for holidays, family and friends. 

* Time Rich Seminar How to create millionaire lifestyle within 12 months or less without having to become a millionaire. 

* Public Speaking Seminar Develop confidence poise and clearly articulate your ideas with charisma and enthusiasm. Increase your income rapidly from learning how to speak in public 

* Sales and Marketing Seminar The million dollar Sales & Marketing Program is designed for individuals wanting to increase their sales and improve their lead generation techniques. Ideal for employees and entrepreneurs. 

* Share Renting One Day additional Member training seminar* Reinforces the importance of a 21st Century Education and especially the Share Renting strategy taught by Jamie McIntyre. ONE DAY SHARE RENTING WORKSHOP exclusively to 21st Century Members and their spouse only, ensures you get all your questions answered to get you started and into action.

You can choose to attend as many of these as many times as you like in 5 years.
AS A MEMBER YOU RECEIVE 5 YEARS WORTH OF MEMBERSHIP WHICH INCLUDES:
• 21st Century Homestudy Program Valued at $4995.
• Attend unlimited 4 day events for 5 years* Valued at $2995.
• Attend unlimited seminars for 5 years*
• 5 Years Support* Valued at $997.
• Internet and Business Homestudy**Valued at $1995.
• Access To All Services – Property Direct, Finance, Accounting, Broking
• 1 Month Trial To Investor Newsletter. Valued at $99.
• Bring A Teenager. Valued at $997.
• Bring A Friend Offer. Valued at $4995. ‘
The guarantee – “If you don’t become a self made millionaire within the next 5 years with 21st Century Academys 5 year membership we’ll give you 100% of your money back plus send you on a trip to Fiji for a week on us”

As an added bonus to an already amazing gift Jamie has added return airfares and accommodation to any of these cities- Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Gold coast Perth Adelaide Queenstown NZ- if you wish they wish to attend the event there -to value of $500 any time inside the next 12months.

The Future Belongs To Those who Believe In The Beauty Of Their Dreams’
- Jamie McIntyre

For More about Jamies 5 Years Membership please go to 21st Century Academys Website

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